I felt the same way about Tokyo, although that’s why I fell in love with it! So much contrast within one city, and so unexpectedly restorative and calm, to boot. My hunch is a lot of Japanese culture takes place “underground,” at night, and way up high in its skyscrapers. It’s a vertical city, meaning you can find bars, restaurants and shopping all the way up an elevator (unlike America where everything seems to happen on one the ground floor, loudly, in public view). Hard to crack as a visitor though, good luck and write a recap here when you’re back pretty please!!
Ah I’m SO GLAD to hear you had a similar impression! I was so confused and yes it’s def due to the vertical orientation (so many multi story malls) with minimal ground retail or restaurants. Overall would totally go back (perhaps with a nightlife plug lol) but would def spend more time in Osaka and Kyoto as they seemed to have a BIT more energy slash buzz that my chaotic self needs. So curious where the locals socialize in Tokyo! Maybe a substack writer from there will see this note and weigh in 👀
I felt the same way about Tokyo, although that’s why I fell in love with it! So much contrast within one city, and so unexpectedly restorative and calm, to boot. My hunch is a lot of Japanese culture takes place “underground,” at night, and way up high in its skyscrapers. It’s a vertical city, meaning you can find bars, restaurants and shopping all the way up an elevator (unlike America where everything seems to happen on one the ground floor, loudly, in public view). Hard to crack as a visitor though, good luck and write a recap here when you’re back pretty please!!
Ah I’m SO GLAD to hear you had a similar impression! I was so confused and yes it’s def due to the vertical orientation (so many multi story malls) with minimal ground retail or restaurants. Overall would totally go back (perhaps with a nightlife plug lol) but would def spend more time in Osaka and Kyoto as they seemed to have a BIT more energy slash buzz that my chaotic self needs. So curious where the locals socialize in Tokyo! Maybe a substack writer from there will see this note and weigh in 👀
Tokyo locals weigh in!! I’m going to go back in the spring so will be hitting you up for recs!